What will you do to prevent PLN overload?
Use the readings below to help you answer this question in the discussion forum
Discussion Forum Directions: Click on the forum title that applies to you - elementary, middle, or high school - then scroll to the bottom of the page and type your text into the box on the lefthand corner. Click "post" when you are done. If you want to respond to someone else's post, do this same process, but include their name with an @ symbol - "@torreytrust, I like how you mention..." at the top of your response.
What is a PLN?
A Professional Learning Network (PLN) is a global support network of connections and resources.Building a PLN will give you instant access to thousands of experts in your field.
Imagine that you have to re-design a lesson plan that did not pan out as expected. You post a request for ideas on your Professional Learning Network and within a few hours, you receive 15 responses that include links to resources, successful lesson plans, and engaging activities. That is the power of being a connected educator and using a Professional Learning Network (PLN).
Types of PLN Tools
There are two types of PLN tools: information aggregation and social media connections. These two types of tools have different functions.This e-course will teach you about the difference between these two types of tools and how to select a tool that fits your need. Information Aggregation These tools allow you to collect information from various resources in order to stay up-to-date on recent news, ideas, and theories.
Social Media Connections (collaborative) These tools allow you to connect with individuals around the world.
Trust, T. (2012) Professional learning networks designed for teacher learning. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 28(4), 133-138
Benefits of a PLN
Crowdsourcing ("none of us are as smart as all of us")
Flexible, practical, and personalized learning (not a one-size-fits-all Professional Development workshop)
Find solutions to classroom problems in real-time
Global support network (instant access to thousands of educators worldwide)
Give and receive help (share your expertise and learn from others)
It is common to develop both types of PLN’s; however, it can be overwhelming sorting through all of the information, figuring out the social norms for the activity spaces, and learning to use the new tools. Tips for Preventing PLN Overload:
Start small (1 tool per day, follow 2-3 blogs, join 1-2 groups)
Limit the amount of time you spend on a PLN (i.e., 15 mins a day or 45 mins a week) until you are comfortable using all of the tools
Set a reminder on your calendar to participate in your PLN once a week (so you don't feel like you have to visit your PLN daily)
Skim read - quickly browse through your RSS reader and Twitter/Edmodo updates and only read the articles or visit the links that are the most useful to you. If you have extra time, feel free to explore other articles/links/ideas of interest.
If you are able to manage the information overload of a PLN, you will reap the benefits – instant access to support, new ideas, feedback, peers to collaborate with, and conversations focused on practical solutions.
Where to Start?
There are millions of sites, videos, blogs, news sources to follow and thousands of educators to connect to. Where should you start?
Start with an area you need help with or want to learn more about (technology, teaching problem-solving skills, student-centered learning, behavior management)
Start with your subject/grade level (if you teach 4th grade math, start looking for elementary math sites and educators)
Explore some of the sites listed in this e-course, see what piques your interest and then find similar sites/educators for that topic
Table of Contents
Introductions to PLN's: Challenge 1
What will you do to prevent PLN overload?Use the readings below to help you answer this question in the discussion forum
What is a PLN?
A Professional Learning Network (PLN) is a global support network of connections and resources.Building a PLN will give you instant access to thousands of experts in your field.Imagine that you have to re-design a lesson plan that did not pan out as expected. You post a request for ideas on your Professional Learning Network and within a few hours, you receive 15 responses that include links to resources, successful lesson plans, and engaging activities. That is the power of being a connected educator and using a Professional Learning Network (PLN).
Types of PLN Tools
There are two types of PLN tools: information aggregation and social media connections. These two types of tools have different functions.This e-course will teach you about the difference between these two types of tools and how to select a tool that fits your need.Information Aggregation
These tools allow you to collect information from various resources in order to stay up-to-date on recent news, ideas, and theories.
Social Media Connections (collaborative)
These tools allow you to connect with individuals around the world.
Benefits of a PLN
Reading
Preventing PLN Overload
It is common to develop both types of PLN’s; however, it can be overwhelming sorting through all of the information, figuring out the social norms for the activity spaces, and learning to use the new tools.Tips for Preventing PLN Overload:
If you are able to manage the information overload of a PLN, you will reap the benefits – instant access to support, new ideas, feedback, peers to collaborate with, and conversations focused on practical solutions.
Where to Start?
There are millions of sites, videos, blogs, news sources to follow and thousands of educators to connect to. Where should you start?More About PLN's
Discussion Forum